During the height of the action movie craze of the 1980s, one man faced impossible odds to wage his own personal war against anyone who stood in his way. John Rambo, a Vietnam War veteran turned relentless fighting machine, made his big screen debut in 1982's First bloodDirected by Ted Kotcheff, this gripping thriller about revenge and redemption for past sins tells the story of Rambo, who is pushed to the limits of violence after being hunted by the cops in a small town, and fights against the system that has failed him.
The concept clearly captured the public's attention and ignited the zeitgeist of revenge action films where an outcast or loner seeks justice using brute force. Rambo For more than a decade, Hollywood has tried to capitalize on the character’s general vibe and create more troubled rogues fighting corruption. Some of these works were blatant rip-offs, while others added a modern twist to the formula. But they allowed for a certain amount of influence from the original.
In this list, we take a look at 9 of the best. Rambo The Rambo movies are derivative films, both official and unofficial. They capture Rambo’s rage and refusal to back down from the perspective of new heroes stuck in new scenarios. From low-budget imitations to blockbusters, these films prove that an action movie featuring a very angry man on a path to revenge is always satisfying on the big screen.
9 Steel Justice (1987)
in Steel JusticeMartin Kove stars as John Steele, a Vietnam veteran struggling to adjust to civilian life. He finds himself drawn back into the action when his best friend, Lee, is murdered by drug dealers. Steele sets out to get to the bottom of the manhunt, and his investigation leads him to General Quan, a former comrade turned powerful drug lord. Now, Steele seeks revenge for Lee's death and seeks justice.
An old warrior who will stop at nothing.
Written and directed by Robert Burris, Steel Justice This series features a gritty portrayal of a veteran hero turned ruthless vigilante, a trait we all know so well. It reflects the spirit of RamboThe film also features Kove as the relentless Steele, reflecting the iconic character's quest for justice and his battle against crime and corruption. The film received mixed reviews, but critics noted the unintentionally humorous tone and how it elevated the intense fight scenes.
8 Deadly Prey (1987)
Ted Prior, brother of director David A. Prior, plays Mike Danton, a Vietnam War veteran who is kidnapped by a group of mercenaries under the command of the ruthless Colonel Hogan. He is taken to a remote jungle and used as bait in a deadly training exercise. However, Danton eventually decides to fight back, and using his fighting and survival skills, he turns the tables on his captors.
Work at its worst
Like all action movies, deadly prey The film also ends with a brutal and bloody confrontation. But what comes before is just as exciting. The film is the essence of Rambo The film is about a lone warrior fighting against impossible and overwhelming odds. Prior plays Danton brilliantly; his movement skills and intelligence are reminiscent of John Rambo. The film is made on a low budget and is full of over-the-top action, deadly prey He has a sort of cult following.
7 Thunder Warrior (1983)
Thunder Warrior An Italian-language action thriller with a storyline that is dangerously close to First Blood, the film follows Thunder, a Native American who returns to his homeland to find that a construction company is destroying his ancestral graveyard. When his attempts to stop them are met with violence, Thunder takes matters into his own hands and does everything he can to honor his people.
Native American Rambo on a rampage
Written and directed by Fabrizio De Angelis, Thunder Warrior There is nothing unique about it except the theme of cultural pride and reference to one's heritage. It reuses Rambo The film revolves around a warrior who fights against corrupt workers and an entire police department. Mark Gregory plays the lead role extensively and the film's action scenes, set against the backdrop of the American Southwest, add a distinctive flavor to the genre.
6 Missing in Action (1984)
The first in a series of films about the issue of prisoners of war and missing persons in the Vietnam War, Missing in action The film follows Colonel James Braddock, a Vietnam War veteran who is haunted by memories of his experiences as a prisoner of war. Despite escaping, Braddock believes that American soldiers are still being held captive in Vietnam, and with the help of an old friend, he returns to the country to rescue them. But first, he must confront General Tran and his brutal forces.
Chris Norris takes over Vietnam
Directed by Joseph Zito and starring Chuck Norris, Missing in action Not just tearing Rambo But also a film that capitalizes on its success by premiering just a few months before Rambo The second part of the movie was shown in cinemas. Its story reflects Rambo Fighting for justice and redemption, Norris brings a gravitas to the aging Braddock, a man driven by duty and honor. Ultimately, the film finds a place in the canon of 80s films thanks to its explosive action sequences and Norris's performance.
5 Sniper (1993)
Fun road trip, sniper The film follows a veteran Marine sniper named Sergeant Tom Beckett. He is paired with an inexperienced shooter, Richard Miller, on a high-stakes mission in the jungles of Panama – to find and eliminate a rebel leader and drug lord. The two men navigate the treacherous terrain, but tensions rise between them, eventually leading to a game of precision and nerves.
Two snipers fighting in a duel
Director Luis Llosa has managed to inject suspense and excitement into this cat-and-mouse game in order to make it stand out. sniper The film also succeeds by focusing more on the psychological and physical demands of being a skilled sniper. The film stars Tom Berenger and Billy Zane, who highlight the dynamic between mentor and student, but the film is also filled with a strong sense of anxiety. While it’s not as explosive as you might expect, it’s nonetheless sniper It was successful enough to spawn nine sequels.
4 Commando (1985)
in CommandoArnold Schwarzenegger stars as John Matrix, a retired Special Forces Colonel who has been living a quiet life since retiring from the military. But when his daughter Jenny is kidnapped by mercenaries, his retirement is put to the sword as her captors demand that Matrix carry out an assassination. He embarks on a relentless mission to eliminate anyone who stands in his way to rescue Jenny.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's One-Man Army
Commando The film tests its hero's fighting skills and resolve in a gleeful way, allowing Schwarzenegger to show off his skills as the over-the-top but lovable Matrix. The film is extremely violent and easily quotable. It also embodies the genre with its perfect blend of humor and action. The pacing and innovative fight sequences, which encourage the creative use of weapons in the Matrix, will remind you of Iron Man. Rambo Most. In general, Commando It's a typical 80s thriller.
3 The Fixer (1986)
Against the backdrop of Thailand, The fixer Another movie full of car chases and shootouts. The movie revolves around Peter Goldson, also known as “The Fixer”, an FBI agent seeking revenge. His mission is to take down Greed Rainmaker, the notorious drug lord who murdered Goldson's pregnant fiancée with his spiked shoe. Goldson teams up with Christina, a professor's daughter, and they try to take Rainmaker down once and for all.
An explosive revenge thriller.
Arizal was one of Indonesia's most prolific B-movie directors, known for making films inspired by Hollywood revenge clichés, action, and Jackie Chan-like fight scenes. Given this, The fixer It's a wild mix of everything that makes the action thriller genre so exciting. Peter O'Brien plays the vengeful Goldson, who attacks everything in his path with violence and absurdity. Rambo Although the film was not a huge success, it is worth watching for its fun elements and energetic pace.
2 Shooter (2007)
Shooter The film takes the lone warrior story and gives it a modern twist. We follow Bob Lee Swagger, a retired Marine sniper, who is sent into the field to protect the President of the United States from an assassination attempt. After reluctantly agreeing, Swagger is betrayed and framed for murder, forcing him to go on the run. Meanwhile, Swagger uses his expert survival skills to uncover a corrupt mercenary network and clear his name.
Original subtitle of Rambo movie
More exciting than almost all the movies on the list, Shooter The film plays out like a complex cat and mouse game with a high-speed chase followed by shocking plot twists that propel the story forward. As always, Mark Wahlberg delivers at his best, bringing a wonderful authenticity to Stephen Hunter’s iconic film. Director Antoine Fuqua creates some fantastic sniper scenes and occasionally blows your mind with plot twists that make the film even more intelligent.
1 Rebel Ridge (2024)
Terry Richmond, a former Marine, arrives in the corrupt town of Shelby Springs to secure his cousin's release, but the police confiscate his bail money. Desperate to make things right, Richmond files a complaint with Police Chief Sandy Byrne. However, as he delves deeper into the town's corruption, he uncovers a web of deceit that affects the lives of many. With the help of Summer, a court assistant, Terry uncovers the truth and brings justice.
Excellent addition to this genre.
Jeremy Saulnier's latest Netflix thriller offers a contemporary twist. Rambo The film advances the small-town siege formula by examining corrupt officials and systematic oppression. Saulnier unflinchingly embraces the genre’s freewheeling atmosphere and allows Aaron Pierre to deliver a powerful and intense performance as Richmond. Critics praised the film’s tense pacing and exploration of societal themes, while audiences praised its dark humor and brilliant direction.
